Reasons for Procedure

A kidney transplant is done to replace a kidney that is no longer working and cannot be fixed. It may also be done if the kidney has been removed. A kidney transplant is only needed if both kidneys are not working.
Common causes of
kidney failure
include:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

There is a shortage of donors. You may be on a transplant list for some time. You may need to carry a cell phone with you at all times. This will allow the transplant team to reach you if a kidney becomes available.

Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

Take medications as directed. Do not take over-the-counter medications without checking with your doctor.

Eat a light meal the night before. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Arrange for someone to drive you home. Also, arrange for someone to help you at home.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery.

Description of the Procedure

An incision will be made in the lower abdomen. The donated kidney will be connected to your arteries, veins, and ureter, which is the tube that carries the urine to the bladder. In most cases, a diseased kidney will be left in place unless it is is causing problems or if room is needed for the transplant. The incision will be closed. The new kidney may start producing urine right away or within a short time.

Immediately After Procedure

You will be closely monitored in the intensive care unit (ICU) and will have the following devices:

Breathing tube until you can breathe on your own

IV fluids and medicine

Bladder catheter to drain urine

How Long Will It Take?

3-6 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will have pain during the recovery process. Your doctor will give you pain medication.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is 1-2 weeks. Your doctor may choose to keep you longer if you have complications.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you will need to:

Get out of bed the day after surgery.

Breathe deeply and cough 10-20 times every hour—this will help your lungs work better after surgery.

Take immunosuppressive drugs—you will need to take these for the rest of your life. These drugs reduce the chance that your body will reject the new kidney.

Wear compression stockings to reduce the risk of blood clots.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Take medication as advised by your doctor, which may include:

Steroids to reduce inflammatoin and to prevent rejection

Diuretics to stimulate kidney function and control blood pressure

Your new kidney needs to be monitored. Have tests and exams done as directed.

Weigh yourself daily. Also, measure the amount of fluids you take in and the amount of urine you pass.

Restrict the amount of salt and protein that you eat.

If advised by your doctor, avoid alcohol for at least one year.

Ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, bathe, or soak in water.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of these occur:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site

Passing no or only small amounts of urine

Pain, burning, urgency, frequency of urination, or persistent bleeding in the urine

Vomiting, black or tarry stools, diarrhea, or constipation

Abdominal pain or cramping

Sore throat or mouth sores

Cough, shortness of breath, or any chest pain

Coughing up blood

Severe headache

Headache, confusion, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness

Pain and/or swelling in your feet, calves, or legs

Weight gain greater than three pounds in one day

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.